Just Bought A Pleco Under A Very Stupid Name

[raptorrex]

Definitely not a Royal not with a max size of 12cm

you are assuming the size estimate by the LFS was correct.

I'd say 134 looking at those.

(btw, I'd call them vertical stripes - looking side on - LOL)

He does look like the L168, and he was labelled as a butterfly plec but it says those get to 14cm! So confused!!

why are you confused? if you doubt the name given by the vendor, why should the size given be any more accurate? conversely, if the name given is correct, that does not indicate the size estimate will be accurate! and we are only talking about a difference of less than an inch, a difference that is well within that which we might expect to find between two individuals of the same species.

 

[xingumike]

i think that is L134 as well from picture 2

 

[LolaLouie]

He does look very like 1 of the pics of the L134 on planet catfish but i still think he may be a 168 because...

1. He was labelled as a butterfly plec which is the 168's common name
2. He does change colour very quickly and when on a light surface he did turn very light (this is a distinct feature of the 168 according to planet catfish)

What do I need to take a picture of to get a positive ID? Would just a better body shot do or should I get his mouth? Dorsal fin (if poss.)?

Thanks so much for all your help!

 

[st24rsap]

a side view should be enough to distinguish between L168 & L134 id have thought

 

[xingumike]

a side view should be enough to distinguish between L168 & L134 id have thought

100% although like i said, simply viewing the fish from the side should be enough, Dekeyseria are quite flat compared to Peckoltia.

the change in colouration described means i now think its L168 lol.

 

[LolaLouie]

He's barely come out and when he does he just pokes his head from behind the bogwood so it's impossible to get a pic. I'm going to call the store where i got him from to ask his L-number. They're not picking up right now though. Will let y'all know what they say, I hope they know because one of those fish get to 14-15cm while the other gets to 11cm! I can just about house 11cm of plec but 15 would really be pushing it!!

 

[LolaLouie]

Ok the store says it's a L168 so I guess given that we've narrowed it down to 2 and the 168 is one of them i think for once in my life I'm going to trust a LFS!!!

so he'll grow to 14/15cm... looks like i'm going to need a bigger tank do they grow quickly?? I've only just bought my 50 gallon and don't really have space at the moment for anything bigger!!

Thanks all!

 

[xingumike]

Im a little confuzzled, you are talking about a difference of 4cm being a problem in a 50 gallon? It's not

 

[LolaLouie]

It's not? When I picture 15cm I picture a very squashed pleco! I thought 11cm was pushing it. There's a lot of rocks, bogwood and plants in my tank so I feel like he wont have room to swim but i guess they don't swim too much! I'll just have to see how he looks and see if he starts to outgrow my tank!

Thanks again!

 

[xingumike]

It's not? When I picture 15cm I picture a very squashed pleco! I thought 11cm was pushing it. There's a lot of rocks, bogwood and plants in my tank so I feel like he wont have room to swim but i guess they don't swim too much! I'll just have to see how he looks and see if he starts to outgrow my tank!

Thanks again!

*sigh* i wish everyone thought like you!!

unless its a ridiculous shaped tank, ie very narrow and very tall it will be fine, trust me i'm a doctor.

 

[raptorrex]

It's not? When I picture 15cm I picture a very squashed pleco! I thought 11cm was pushing it. There's a lot of rocks, bogwood and plants in my tank so I feel like he wont have room to swim but i guess they don't swim too much! I'll just have to see how he looks and see if he starts to outgrow my tank!

Thanks again!

*sigh* i wish everyone thought like you!!

unless its a ridiculous shaped tank, ie very narrow and very tall it will be fine, trust me i'm a doctor.

i second that!
that too!
not sure on this though

 

[smithrc]

hmm... L199 ??

 

[darkwolf29a]

Looks like a 134 to me. Of course, it could be a 166. All of the zebras, which have the white and black lines to them, look A LOT alike.

 

[LolaLouie]

I had a look at the L199, the L199 has kinda smudged lines whereas my plec has very bold clear lines. I think I'm happy with the L168 ID. I will post for a certain ID once he braves up a bit but righ now he's quite skittish!

Thanks!

 

[st24rsap]

put some cucumber in the tank near it, im sure that will tempt him out for a better pic